Chapter 16
I feel conflicted. I had to somehow get Lynette to be disgusted with me right now. It was much better to end this as early as now rather than being cursed.
What should I do? Should I pick my nose or something? What should I pretend that theres something stuck in my teeth? No, I need something more specific
I suddenly remembered the frame in my hand. Of course! There was nothing more better than this!
Then Ill draw a picture for you! For your information, this is my drawing skill!
I pushed the frame into Lynettes face. Lynettes eyes widened.
Oh, my.
Lynette observed my drawing very slowly and with a cautious face and gave a speech.
Hm.., what does this picture mean? Is this a primitive human being who climbed up a tree to pick bananas, but rolled down, hit his head against a rock, and tinged off the rebound, and fell down a cliff? Is that right?
Ah, well
Is it really that bad?
Im kidding. This is Ash, isnt it?
This villain sister is quick-witted.
Thats right.
And you mean youre going to draw me like this?
I nodded.
Anastasia, do you know what I hate the most? Ugly, unpleasant, dirty, embarrassing, and insulting my beauty.
I was nervous and waited for words to follow.
Now youre going to say that youre disappointed in me, right?
Are you going to slap me in the face?
But even if Im about to get angrymy heart melts when I see your face. Ive never felt this way before.
What?
I doubted my ears. Lynette muttered in a deep thoughtful voice.
I heard that Count Sinclairs daughter was very beautiful, but I was skeptical because it was all a floating cloud*. But now Im madly resentful of myself for finding you late. Anastasia, Ill admit it. You are a priceless person enough to destroy my values. I think Ill like you even if you dig up maggots.
(t/n: baseless rumor)
Is this a death flag? I only have 2 years left, is it going to be shorter because of this?!
Um.
The poor Anastasia, who was fated to die, not knowing when even though she has the beauty like a deadly poison that can possess everyoneToo bad. I want to add you to my collection. If only I could display you in the basement and appreciate your beauty alone until I die
Lynette, youre saying something very dangerous just now.
The villain sister was surprised and covered her mouth with her hands.
Oh, Im sorry! Youre not mad, are you? If I get hated by Anastasia, I might faint with shock. Oh what a terrible thing, just imagining it hurts my heart. I didnt know you were so soft-hearted.
The coy voice was so attractive that my heart was pounding, but I had already lost all my motivation.
Theres not much to live. The death flag was easily established
May I go now?
I held the frame in my arms, wondering if I should draw her portrait in advance.
The villain sister made an innocent face.
Of course! You said youd give me a drawing, so lets make an appointment. When would be a good time? An hour later? Two hours later? What about secretly at midnight?
It seems that her mind is already in the realm of criminals. I think shes already a hopeless case.
I slowly backed away and shouted swiftly.
Ill send you a letter when I get better. Then have fun.
Then I immediately turned around and started walking quickly as Lynette shouted back.
Ill wait!
Reluctantly glancing behind me, I saw the villain sister waving her hand. She was smiling so brightly to the point that its so absurd.
I quickly got into the carriage, and only could I take a breath when I finally escaped the Marquis estate.
T-that sister was scary
My hands were still shaking. I was so focused on screwing Ash, I completely forgot that that villain sister was close to him.
Although the two did not have a deep affection for each other, they often met as needed.
That sister liked Ashs handsome face and unbridled attitude.
Come to think of it, that sister seemed to have noticed something
Welcome back.
When I got off the carriage, the handsome man that seems to come out of a fairy tale welcomed me.
My surrounding suddenly felt so dazzling. It was as if its the first time I saw sunlight while being confined to a dark and gloomy place.
Adele! I missed you!
I hugged Adele without realizing it. The refreshing scent of citrus touched the tip of my nose, and I laughed.
Adele was as polite as always, so I stepped back.
Hua, I feel a little safer now.
You look tired, Anastasia. Wouldnt it be better if you take a break?
Adele looked at me with worried eyes. I spoke bravely.
Im fine. Dressing up like this took a long time, itll be a waste if I change already. Lets go play. You were bored waiting for me, werent you?
I was worried because he will definitely try to get revenge on you.
I also agreed with Adele.
Well, I also think thats inevitable with his temper. By the way, did you put another spell on Ash?
When I asked her because I remembered what the villain sister said, Adele looked as if he was smiling.
Its nothing.
I heard Ash likes pretty girls, but hes a little cold to me earlier.
The villain sister also fell in love with my beauty! Of course not a good thing!
He took your hand, and he even received a drawing you made as a gift. I only restricted his sexual desire, appetite, and sleeping with the touch of your hand in advance to prevent inappropriate feelings. Its going to last a few days.
It was a more decisive answer than I thought. The painting is now stuck in the corner of a carriage
Adele naturally turned the subject around as I hesitated.
Did you enjoy your first social gathering?
It was nice that everyone was kind. Lady Lynettia Bliss was especially nice to me.
I stuttered casually. I pretended not to notice Adeles gaze.
Ive met Lady Bliss a few times before. She bought the albino gazelle I caught at the last hunting competition, saying she wanted to stuff* it.
(t/n: taxidermy)
Should I say its a good thing that only animals can be stuffed ?
I mumbled in a voice as small as an ant.
The scariest thing about the villain sister was that she doesnt care about the other people around her at all and that she would be half crazy until she got her hands on something she wanted.
And the object was usually a rare, colorful, and beautiful animal or person.
Im glad you liked it. Can you tell me what happened?
I blinked in bewilderment.
Didnt you already know everything?
I thought hed be watching with magic.
Adele didnt necessarily deny it.
I was wondering what Anastasia thinks. It would be nice to listen to your story while taking a walk.
Adele held out his hand and I grabbed it naturally.
I couldnt get used to holding Adeles hand, so it was a problem.
The smooth, soft, and warm feeling were so good that my hands seemed to melt.
We got out of the counts by exchanging trivial conversations.
I looked around. Small shops were sometimes seen, but the streets were quiet. There was no one but us.
I cant see the boy today. Did he gave up?
It rained a few days ago. I might have been swept away by the rain and washed away somewhere.
Adele said in a very calm voice, which shocked me.
Youre saying scary things.
Is he joking? Hes kidding, right?
Anastasia, you should forget people who arent worth caring about.
It was gentle but determined advice. I agreed.
Yeah. Well, Ill be fine. Dont worry, Adele.
For a moment, Adele tried to say something, but I was distracted by something else.
Huh?
I could see roses on display at a flower shop made by stacking bricks that looked painted with paint.
The pink rose was very different from the rose I used to know.
Adele, look at that. The roses are very small.
I let go of Adeles hand and went to the flower shop. It was even more fascinating to see it up close.
Roses as small as my fingernails were blooming.
If you hadnt observed it closely, you might have thought that it was painted with a paintbrush.
Feeling our presence, a man who seemed to be the owner of a flower shop walked out.
Welcome Hyuk!
He looked at me and opened his eyes widely. I asked, pointing to a super dainty rose.
Whats the name of this rose?
Waiting for an answer, the man blinked several times and shook his head violently.
AhahIm sorry. What did you say?
I burst into laughter. He was so honest and clear that I cant help but laugh instead of getting angry.
Ill buy all these flowers. Can you bring them to Sinclair Mansion?.
T-thank you! Ill serve you with all my heart!
What does he mean by serving? The flower?
I looked at Adele and pulled him away from the man that said a confusing thing just now.
Lets go, Adele.
Adele was easily led by my touch, but he still looks lost in thought. I walked a few steps and looked back at him.
Adele? Whats wrong?
You laugh well in front of anyone.
Well, that was a bit weird. I replied insignificantly.
Is that so? Ive never really been conscious of it.
You dont feel obligated, do you? You didnt take orders, you just did it because you like it. Its strange.
Strange?
His red eyes, which were filled with unknown emotion, faced me.
You dont look like a terminally ill person at all. Recently, you dont feel pessimistic or cry even though you foresaw death. It was easier for me to understand you before.
Only then did I realize Adeles intentions.
I just found it useless to do so.
Did you give up?
I dont know, did I?
Adele dropped his gaze. Is he hurt by what I said? Does he think I gave up hope?
Dont you want to ask me to save you?
What does he mean by that?
Most people think anything can be accomplished with magic. It might actually be like that. Perhaps I can treat Anastasia
I felt the blood disappearing from my body. I interrupted Adeles words.
Adele, dont ever say that again.
Magic was by no means universal. In particular, it will take a tremendous price to restore a person destined to die, like me, with magic.
In the old days, a king of a country was said to have offered a thousand sacrifices to heal his illness. It was terrible.
I dont intend to live if it takes your life away.
My voice is broken. When I was uplifted, Adele persuaded me with a softer tone.
What if its not my life? What if you use someone elses life? Is it okay to sacrifice someone whos never even encountered, Anastasia?
It sounded so sweet, and on the other hand, it was a dark remark. My mind turned blank.